Happy Giving Thanks!

Today, I’m aware of the fact that life is better than I deserve. The world is full of pain and suffering, hardship and turmoil, disappointment and regret. So the fact that I can be thankful and mean–it is, in its own way, a small miracle.

However, I’m learning that there is a responsibility that comes with privilege. I am blessed to bless. I am gifted to give. I am not lucky, fortunate, or merely disciplined; I am expected to do something with the grace I’ve been given. And so are you.

Photo courtesy of growappalachia.berea.edu

When I was younger, I didn’t understand gratitude. In a universe that seemed to hurt for no reason, giving thanks felt disingenuous. Living in a world where children die of hunger every day, it just didn’t make sense. But now I understand that being grateful is a choice.

Here’s my challenge to you: Take some time today, wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, and choose to come up with a gratitude list. If it doesn’t come naturally, don’t let that stop you from still giving thanks. There is still much to be thankful for, if we only have eyes to see.

And in case you were wondering, here are my 10 reasons to give thanks today:

I am thankful for my health, for being able to run every day and eat turkey dinners.

2. I am thankful for my husband, who vowed to be my biggest fan on the day we were married and has never once let me down.

3. I am thankful for all of my families. Trust me, I have lots of them. And for the family I married into this year; which includes, my husband, his beautiful daughter and a 17-year-old dog Jr.

4. I am thankful for the gift and work of writing blogs — that it is both hard and easy at the same time. Easy to do, hard to master. Always frustrating. Always rewarding. And I am thankful for the online community of readers who are making a difference in the world. You guys inspire me. Thank you for always reading and watching my blogs!

5. I am thankful for doing work that matters. I love working for Knit-Rite, not because I always get to wear good quality prosthetic socks. 😉 But for the coworkers, the job and most importantly the idea to help others! We don’t just make socks. We do this with a sense that there’s a little girl or a boy (or anyone) that will feel comfort from wearing our products and be happy with it. Maybe they’ll make a difference in this world someday.

6. I am thankful that my toes never get cold – because I don’t have any! But in all seriousness, I am thankful for good quality prosthetic legs that allow me to live my life independently. It is something I don’t take for granted.

7. But that wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t have the right doctors, prosthetists, physical therapists, occupational therapists. You get the idea! They make magic and I am thankful for them!

8. I am thankful for an ability to give and inspire! I am thankful that there are a lot of people who follow my journey, are inspired by it, and are able to get motivated to do something about it!

9. I am thankful that we still have more good than bad in this world, despite everything that is happening today.

10. I am thankful for vanilla ice cream because it is delicious. Thank you, cows!

Photo courtesy of faisalhoque.com

If you read this blog, you have already given me a gift so thank you for that. Happy Thanksgiving!